Located in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros is a gorgeous, traditional Greek island, and one of the most beloved holiday destinations in the country. With its beaches with clear blue water, small villages, great hiking trails, and well-preserved history, it ticks all the boxes for a picture-perfect holiday to Greece. Here at Plum Guide, we’re experts on all things travel, so know exactly where you should lay your head at night for the perfect vacation. So without any further ado, here’s our guide to where to stay in Paros.
Parikia
A white building covered in green leaves on a sunny day, Parikia, Paros, Greece
The capital of the island, most visitors will arrive and depart into Parikia. Busy and bustling, it’s charming, full of life, and just asking to be explored. Don’t just think of it as a port town, however. Parikia is home to some lively bars, fascinating artisanal workshops, and top local shops - there are also some important historical landmarks here. Panagia Ekatontapiliana, or the Church of 100 doors, is a Byzantine-era church dating back to the 4th century AD. It’s believed to have been founded by St. Helene, mother of Emperor Constantine. There’s also a small archaeological museum near to Panagia Ekatontapiliana, as well as ruins of a 13th-century church built within the ruins of a 6th-century temple (ruin inception, anyone?). All of these attractions make Parikia a great option when you're wondering where to stay in Paros.
Stone Blue, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Livadia
Clear blue water and golden sand in front of tall hills at Kolymbithres Beach near Livadia, Paros, Greece
First things first: don’t confuse this neighbourhood with Livadia Beach in Parikia, or you’ll end up sleeping on a bed of sand. Once upon a time Livadia was the site of a Mycenaean acropolis, but now this is more of a high-end spot - home to a slightly more rarefied side of Greece. Near to the town of Naoussa and its shopping, dining, and nightlife, staying in Livadia means you’re guaranteed peaceful evenings when you crave them - this is a much quieter area. There are no restaurants or supermarkets, however, so be prepared. Also nearby are the sandy, family-friendly beaches of Paros Park, as well as the gorgeous natural granite rock formations of Kolymbithres Beach.
Mists from Morning's Sky, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Antiparos
A boat in the clear blue sea surrounded by brown cliffs, Despotiko island, Antiparos, Paros, Greece
Don’t be confused by the name - Antiparos doesn’t mean you’re leaving the paradise of Paros completely. It does mean you’re not on the main island, however. Antiparos is a nearby island, and is home to serene beaches and clear blue water. It’s the perfect choice for those of you wondering where to stay in Paros if you really want to get away from it all. There are plenty of authentic tavernas and a few beach clubs and restaurants on the sea, but otherwise it’s back to nature. You might even spot a celebrity of two, as Tom Hanks is rumoured to have a home here.
Sunlight Over Sapphire, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Naoussa
Blue restaurant chairs next to docked boats at the harbour in Naoussa, Paros, Greece
Naoussa is a charming choice when deciding where to reside on this Greek isle. Sitting in a natural bay at the north end of Paros, there’s a picturesque old port with docked fishing boats and a 12th-century Venetian castle - cute restaurants specialising in seafood and some buzzy cocktail bars sit along the waterfront, too. Spend your days wandering the gentle tangle of streets packed with boutiques, old churches, and shops selling delicious wine. It’s a trendier scene than in Parikia, so any teenagers on your trip are likely to be impressed. Pretty Monastiri Beach, a family-friendly option in Paros Park, is nearby, as is the popular clothing-optional location of Laggeri Beach.
Cycladic Sunset, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Lefkes
A blue table outside a white house with blue doors in a traditional narrow street in Lefkes, Paros, Greece
Looking for something a little more out of the way? Lefkes is a village perched high in the mountains of central Paros - a much greener part of the island. During medieval times, this was the island’s capital, and this past grandeur can be seen in the eye-catching hodgepodge of Venetian, neoclassical, and Cycladic architecture - as well as 15th-century churches. Don’t miss seeing the Church of Agia Triada (the Holy Trinity), built in 1830. Spend your stay here checking out the shops, museums, and galleries dotted about the village. There’s also a popular hiking trail called the Byzantine Road, an ancient stone footpath which dates back to around 1000 AD, and connects Lefkes with the nearby village of Prodromos.
Charming small villages
A white, Greek church with a blue, domed roof behind green and pink plants, Piso Livadi, Paros, Greece
For a more peaceful vibe, the small fishing villages of Ambelas, Aliki, Drios and Piso Livadi are great low-key places to stay. Everything you need is within a small radius - sandy beaches ideal for swimming, a waterfront to stroll along, adorably small marinas where fishermen head off to source the day’s catch, and tavernas serving that same seafood up for dinner. Piso Livadi has three beaches and is on the livelier side, so consider staying here if you’re after somewhere small but slighly more lively. Aliki has excellent windsurfing (sportspeople take note), and is also home to Museum of Cycladic Folklore - a tiny enterprise where a fisherman-artist crafts small replicas of traditional Green boats. Ambelas and Drios are smaller and quieter, with large sandy beaches ideal for families.
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